movies

Ask the Readers: How Do You Save Money at the Movies?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 09:30:08 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Nick, Joseph, and Lisa for winning this week's contest!

Like everything else, movie ticket prices seem to go up every year. If you don't want to bust your budget on a cinema experience, you need to be more selective — and strategic — about going to the movies.

How do you save money at the movies? How often do you go? How do you decide which movies to watch in a theater and which can wait until it's available for home viewing?

Tell us how you save money at the movies and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

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Good Luck!

Tell us how you save money at the movies and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

This Is How Much Our Tech Necessities Would've Cost in the '80s

Emily Guy Birken — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 08:30:28 +0000

We all love to look back on the 1980s as a sort of halcyon time. Transformers were still animated rather than CGI, movies were original rather than nostalgia-grabbing reboots, and we all kept our important papers in Trapper Keepers, just as nature intended.

But before you decide that life really was better back in the decade that brought us hair metal, spandex, and She-Ra, consider what we take for granted now that would have been nearly impossible to replicate in the 1980s. As it turns out, there is quite a bit that makes modern life better.

Music on demand

A 32GB iPhone or other smartphone can store over 8,000 songs, depending on what other apps you have installed on the device. Alternatively, you can stream music through an app like Spotify or Apple Music, each of which allows you to save playlists and favorite albums. Your phone also offers you a remarkably portable package that you are likely to have on you at all times.

To have all of that in your pocket these days, it will cost you around $450 for the phone, plus about $10 per month for your favorite music streaming service. All together, you might pay $570 in the first year of phone ownership to be able to enjoy your favorite tunes wherever you are in 2018.

To recreate this kind of portable music library in the '80s, it would have been much more difficult. To start, you would need a portable CD player. The Sony Discman was introduced in 1985, and cost $300 at the time — or nearly $700 in 2018 dollars. To have 8,000 songs at your fingertips, you would need 570 CDs, assuming about 14 tracks per album. CDs cost about $15 each in the 1980s, or nearly $35 in 2018 dollars — which means you would have to drop the equivalent of $19,950 on CDs to have access to same number of songs. And of course, you could only really take one or two albums with you at a time, since carting around 570 CDs at all times would be next to impossible.

All told, in 1985 you would have had to spend the equivalent of $20,650 in 2018 dollars to have access to the kind portable music library we take for granted today. (See also: How to Choose the Best Streaming Music Service for You)

Cellphones

Having a mobile phone in your pocket has become so ubiquitous that we have reverse-engineered the term landline for the phone that's stuck at your house. We have become so used to carrying cellphones with us at all times that etiquette rules have sprung up around their usage, including a number of tacit rules about texting vs. calling someone.

Assuming that you have a brand-new iPhone X, it cost about $1,000 to purchase the phone, and cell service generally costs about $60 per month, which means a modern cellphone user can expect to spend $1,720 in a year, including the purchase of the phone.

Back in 1983, the first cellphone went on sale for $4,000, or around $10,062 in 2018 dollars. While there was no cellphone plan for early adopters who purchased this Motorola phone (which was 11 inches long, weighed 2.5 pounds, and was nicknamed "the brick"), the phone only offered 30 minutes of talk time, and only had six hours' worth of battery life.

Streaming videos

Netflix streaming has become a staple of modern entertainment, to the point where the term "Netflix and chill" has gone from solid Saturday night plan to dating euphemism to out-of-touch punchline. Subscribing to Netflix's standard streaming plan costs $10.99 per month, or about $132 per year, and gets you access to over 5,500 titles to watch, including both movies and television shows.

Unless watching Netflix is your job, it would be impossible to watch all 5,500 titles in one year. But let's assume you watch two different titles on Netflix every day, or 730 per year. Back in 1988, you could expect to pay about $2.50 per movie rental at the local Mom and Pop video rental store (remember those?). In 2018 dollars, each rental would cost $5.29, meaning you would spend the equivalent of approximately $3,862 per year in 2018 dollars to watch 730 movies — and that doesn't even account for late fees, if you forgot to take The Breakfast Club or Die Hard back on time. (See also: 3 TV Must-Haves Once You Cut the Cable Cord)

eBooks

Physical books will never completely fade away, but e-readers have made it possible for avid bookworms to carry entire libraries with them, whether they are packing for a trip to the beach or just a long line at the DMV. The Kindle Fire can store approximately 6,000 books, which means you can finish one book and start the next without having to go back to the bookstore or library.

A Kindle Fire HD 8 costs about $80, and you can sign up for Kindle Unlimited for $9.99 per month, or about $120 per year. All together, a voracious reader can enjoy books to her heart's content for about $200 in the first year. If we assume our reader manages to finish one book a week, or 52 books per year, that $200 in a year cost comes to about $3.85 per book.

A reader looking to buy 52 books a year in the 1980s would have spent a great deal more. In 1985, new books ranged in price from $8.95 to $19.95 ($20.84 to $46.45 in today's dollars). Assuming a reader only purchased books at the lower end of the cost spectrum, they would have to spend $1,083.68 (in 2018 dollars) in one year to be able to read the same number of books that a Kindle owner could read for $200 nowadays. (See also: 5 Easiest Ways to Score Free eBooks)

Living in the future

There are certainly aspects of 1980s life and culture that we'd all like to return to — like having music videos on MTV. But it's also good to stop and reflect on all the great advances we get to enjoy now that would have been simply impossible back when Max Headroom and jelly shoes were still a thing.

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This article is from Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Ways You Can Get Paid to Watch TV

Paul Michael — Thu, 31 May 2018 08:00:17 +0000

Full disclosure: I work in TV. I am a creative director at a premium cable channel, and I can tell you right now that I get paid to watch TV. I don't watch it all day, every day. But I do spend some portions of my week watching series from my own network, and occasionally, competitor networks and stations.

I love my job. I love being able to read scripts and watch series, in many cases a year before they hit the airwaves. And I can assure you, there are many opportunities for you to earn money doing something you love — watching TV. Here are just a few.

1. Work for a company that airs TV series and movies

Let's start with my own personal area of expertise. From HBO, Showtime, and STARZ, to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, there are thousands of jobs available in the TV and movie industry. You may think that the only people getting paid to watch TV at these companies are high-end executives and producers, but that's not the case. In my own company, everyone from IT and legal, to HR and creative services, has access to a wide variety of movies and series.

We are often required to watch our own series to be educated on what our own company does, much like employees at a brewery get free ale and hotel employees get free rooms. The more you know about what your company does, the better you are at your job. We also have companywide screenings of series and movies, and similar companies do the same for their employees, too.

If this sounds like the field for you, take some time to search the career web pages of any company offering TV and movie services. You may be surprised at the opportunities available.

2. Start your own YouTube channel

It's a slow burn, but if you're willing to invest the time and a little money, it can really pay off. As you probably know, there are a lot of wealthy YouTubers out there. Some of them create original content, some are comedians, some play video games. And, some watch TV and movies and record their reactions, or provide reviews of the latest movies and series. In fact, there are even YouTubers who review YouTube review channels! That's some Inception-level stuff right there.

The best way to start on this path is to review the movies you either really love … or really hate. Audiences love both kinds of reviews, with the latter usually being more funny and satirical. All you need to start is a computer or smartphone with a decent camera (if you use a phone, get a tripod).

Record your review, upload it, and share over social media. As you get more comfortable, start adding graphics and some simple cutaways using basic editing software. As your views and subscribers grow, you can monetize your YouTube page, and eventually, if you're big enough, see some major dollars roll in. (See also: How to Make Money by Creating YouTube Videos)

3. Download apps and visit sites that reward you for watching

There really is an app for that. Well, multiple apps, actually. One of the most popular is Viggle, which rewards you for logging in and watching TV shows from providers like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. It's done on a points-per-minute basis, although sometimes you can double, triple, or even quadruple the amount of points you earn. You can also get bonuses for engaging with your friends on social media, and you can redeem your rewards for gift cards, cash, and even debit cards.

You can also check out Perk, their sister company, which offers cash rewards for watching TV, playing games, and shopping, and Inbox Dollars, which also offers surveys. Will it make you rich? Doubtful. Will you get cash for watching TV and movies? Yes. What's not to love about that? (See also: Effortless Ways to Make Money Online That Don't Require Skills)

4. Become a Netflix "tagger"

Fair warning: There are only about 30 of these positions in existence, and they are in extremely high demand … for good reason. Taggers are a team of 30 media-savvy reviewers who get paid to watch Netflix day in, day out. The job of a tagger is to watch the content and tag it as it's being viewed with relevant metadata. In layman's terms, that includes factual information about the content, like year of release, language, cast, and so on, but also the tone, style, and how to categorize it for a search.

As FastCompany reported this past March, it's a dream job for Sherrie Gulmahamad, who watches over 20 hours of TV and movies per week in her role as "originals creative analyst." But, as she pointed out, it's not always an easy ride. Much like a food critic, you don't always have an appetite for what is put in front of you.

"I've also been assigned a 60-hour Colombian crime drama about Pablo Escobar's hit man," she told FastCompany. "No, I did not have to watch all of it — but I tried!" If you want to try and get into Netflix tagging, Gulmahamad recommends first getting into an archival or library studies program, and going from there.

5. Become a Nielsen family

Neilsen is a household name in America, and is the driving force behind all those ratings figures you see for TV series and movies. You can become a part of this process.

There are a couple of ways to go about it; one is by choice, the other by chance. First, you can go to Nielsen Digital Voice and join the panel. Thousands of people in the U.S. do this, and it's a way to provide information on what you're watching via the internet. The rewards aren't going to let you quit your day job, but you'll get the chance to win up to $1,000 every month, with 400 members getting a chunk of the monthly $10,000 sweepstakes.

The other way is the traditional Nielsen route, and that is purely in the hands of fate. Nielsen families are randomly selected from a section of different communities across the nation, and although you have just as much chance as anyone else, there are only 40,000 homes being monitored. With over 126 million households in the U.S., that's a slim chance.

6. Take up mystery shopping

These days there are all kinds of mystery shopping gigs available, and they are not just limited to retail stores and restaurants. You can actually get paid to go to the movie theater and check out the latest movies, and who wouldn't want to be paid for an activity you usually have to pay for?

One of the biggest names in theater mystery shopping is VeriTes, and they are looking for independent contractors in all 50 states. You can also check out CFA or Imyst.

Now, while you will obviously have fun watching the movie, you do have to pay attention to the entire experience and report back on it. Everything from the purchase of the tickets, the customer service, the quality of the snacks, and the resolution of the movie will come into play. Make sure to bring something you can take notes on (not your phone — that's a bad move in a movie theater) and file your report to receive your reward. (See also: Check Out These 5 Legit Mystery Shopping Gigs)

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Ways to Keep Boredom from Destroying Your Budget

Paul Michael — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 10:00:05 +0000

Bored, bored, bored; most of us find those words repeating in our head at some point during the week. The trouble is, when you’re bored, you look for ways to relieve the boredom. And these days, that can lead to some poor money decisions. Here’s how to avoid the lure of blowing your monthly budget just to escape the monotony.

1. Find a go-to “boredom beater” activity

If you know you’re going to have spells of boredom in the future, put something together now to combat it. Make a list of books you want to read, and go get them from the library. Fill an empty drawer with cheap jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku books, and adult coloring books. Thrift stores can be a great source for many of these items (although you may be taking a risk purchasing a used jigsaw puzzle). (See also: 15 Frugal Ways to Battle Boredom)

2. Plan something you would like to do

Making plans is something we all enjoy doing. Whether it’s a weekend away, a trip to Europe, or figuring out your next home remodeling project, it’s fun to think about the future. You can keep it realistic, or you can put together your “dream vacation.” You can make a bucket list, featuring everything you want to try in your lifetime. Use the internet to research delicious foods and incredible restaurants. Search for “experiences of a lifetime.” Not only does this put you in a positive frame of mind, it gives you a reason to start saving for something special. And the best part is, planning doesn’t cost you anything.

3. Avoid any and all online shopping sites

“I’m really bored … maybe I’ll see what’s new on Amazon.” That’s a big mistake right there. Even if the initial intention was just to window shop, the prospect of instant gratification and enticing deals can lure you in. Before you know it, you’ve put a bunch of items in your shopping cart, searched for a few promo codes, and checked out with that “What just happened?” feeling. If you absolutely must go online shopping when you’re bored, keep a list handy that contains items you know you will need. A birthday gift for a friend or family member. Cleaning supplies. Household stuff. At least then, you’ll be checking a chore off your list. (See also: How to Prevent a Drunken Online Shopping Spree)

4. Don’t raid the pantry or fridge

You’re bored, not hungry, and there’s a big difference. One of the reasons smokers put on weight when they quit is not because they’re hungry, but because they feel the need to do something with their hands. When you’re bored, you’re looking for something to do to eat up some time and busy yourself, so you may think, hey … why not actually eat? But if you budgeted correctly, you’re using up food meant for a different time; like, an actual meal. Do this often, and not only will you have to spend more on food than you planned, but you’ll gain weight.

5. Don’t go to the movies

Who doesn’t love a night at the cinema? If you’re bored, the idea of getting out of the house to see a new movie may be very appealing to you. And, if you have money set aside in your budget for that, go ahead. But if you’ve already used that up, or there isn’t a movie you really want to see, don’t go.

The average price of a movie ticket these days is around $9, although it can be less at off-peak times, or much more for 3D and IMAX. Then you’ve got the snacks, which are very hard to resist. Throw in a small popcorn and soda and that’s another $11–$13. You’re over $20 in the hole for this boredom buster.

Instead, check out some of the new releases at the local library or Redbox. The library is free, although the newest titles are often reserved for months. Redbox costs between $1.50–$2 depending on your choice of DVD or Blu-ray. However, search online for codes that can get you a free night’s rental. Just remember to take the disc back the next day.

6. Have a game night

Board games. Video games. Charades. As long as you already have free access to your choice of games, inviting friends or family over to have some fun is a great way to kill boredom without spending a nickel. If you don’t have any games in the house, or are bored with the ones you have, take a trip to the nearest thrift store. There is usually a huge selection of pre-owned games of all types.

If you go to Goodwill, look for color tags that give you either 50 percent off or the item for just 99 cents. Of course, it goes without saying that you should open the box and check the contents first. Make sure the game has all the pieces, but don’t worry too much about instructions. These days you can find them free online, ready to print out and use in an instant.

7. Go on free tours

Whatever town or city you’re in, you have access to tours of a wide variety of places. In some cities you can tour the United States Mint facility. You can visit local breweries or wineries, candy companies, and even car manufacturing plants. These free tours vary from state to state, but a great resource is FactoryToursUsa.com. On a tour, you'll go around in a group with a guide explaining the history of the company and the step-by-step process that goes into the products being made. Plus, many of these tours offer freebies at the end, or as you’re walking around. Free beer? Free candy? Now that’s not boring at all. (See also: 9 Free Things to Do in Any City You Visit)

8. Get out and do something that costs nothing

There are plenty of ways to escape the house and not open your wallet. For starters, a simple walk around the neighborhood can be a great way to relieve boredom. Grab your phone and some headphones, play some music, and explore your local area. If you’re feeling up to it, turn it into an exercise session instead. Jog, do pushups, run up and down steps. Find a way to turn that foray out of the house into something that will do you good.

If you’re in the right part of the country, you could try a hike, hit a bike trail, or maybe grab a tent and a few supplies and go camping. If you own a dog, take him or her on a walk. This is also a good chance to meet your neighbors. If you see one outside and you’ve never found the time to say hello, strike up a conversation. You may find you have a lot in common. Get inventive. Imagine you don’t have one penny to your name. Now, what can you do to entertain yourself?

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Turn Your Home Into a Moneymaking Star

Kat Tretina — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 08:30:17 +0000

During the Golden Age of Hollywood, film studios used soundstages and sets for their movies. But in recent years, with the rise of high definition screens, film producers aim to make their films more realistic. That means they often turn to real people's homes, rather than creating a set.

The immensely popular show House of Cards is one of the most recent and well-known examples. The Underwoods live in a stunning townhome in the heart of the D.C. area. That house is a real residence, located in Baltimore.

If you're willing to deal with film crews in your home, you can turn your abode into a lucrative source of income. The going rate for a film is the price of your monthly mortgage payment per day. That means if your mortgage is $1,500 a month, and the film crew needs your home for three days, you'll earn around $4,500.

Find out what renting your home out to filmmakers includes and how to get started.

What film producers look for

Filmmakers and commercial producers aren't just looking for mansions or luxury homes; they also need regular, average houses for their productions. They often need homes that reflect the character of the city they're portraying.

For example, the home featured in Breaking Bad isn't a sprawling mansion. The film crew searched for a home that reflected the style of Albuquerque, New Mexico and settled on this modest, '70s-style ranch. Everyday homes are needed for sitcoms and films all the time.

If the film is about the inner city, a Philadelphia row home may be the perfect fit. Or, if the film is a southern gothic, an older, Victorian-style home in Georgia may be just what they need. Homes with unique architectural details or picturesque views tend to get the most traction.

Other perks

Besides a nice check after production is over, there are other perks that come with renting out your home to a film crew.

Sometimes, the producers will decide they need to make certain improvements to your home. They may update the appliances, put in French doors, or even replace your countertops with granite. This is done at no charge to you, and you can keep whatever additions they make.

If you have to leave your home during filming, the production team will typically pay for you to stay at a hotel. You can get a nice mini-vacation while your home is making money.

Factors to consider

While you can make thousands by renting out your home, make sure you understand what it entails.

Depending on the production, you may have to vacate the home during filming, which means there will be dozens of strangers in your home when you aren't. Your home could go through additional wear and tear, as production people build props, set up special effects, or simply trod dirt in and out.

Also, make sure you know your area's rules and your neighbors' tolerance level. Your community may not welcome the added traffic, lights, and noise that a film production brings.

Finally, know that if your home is in a film or television show that becomes popular, you will have many people stop by to take pictures of your home. You can have unexpected visitors for years after production stops.

How to rent out your home

There are many different ways to find gigs for your home. While locations like Los Angeles and New York City are often the most in-demand (and command the highest rates), film crews nationwide need homes for their shoots. You can list your home in the following ways:

Contact your state's film commission. State film commissions maintain a listing of available homes for film producers.
List your home with Locations Hub. This is a national database of available homes for productions.

Another option is to consider renting out your home for commercials rather than movies. Local businesses and advertising agencies frequently film their own commercials, and need nearby homes. You can list your home with Set Scouter to get connected with local productions. According to Set Scouter, the average rate for a 12-hour day is $1,500.

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This article is from Kat Tretina of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

3 Subscription Services Every Traveler Needs

Amanda Gokee — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 08:30:06 +0000

Subscription services are everywhere these days, and some of them are great for frequent travelers. We've compiled a list of convenient ways you can save money through subscriptions that will work whether you're at home or traveling.

Netflix

Since it came out in 1997, Netflix has grown to be an international entertainment giant. And with good reason. While it can be great to watch movies or TV shows from the comfort of your home, Netflix can also travel with you to 190 different countries where you can stream content around the world.

I have personally used Netflix in both France and Mexico. The selection of films and TV shows varies from country to country, but I love having the option to watch Netflix while I'm traveling. First, it gives me the ability to easily watch my favorite shows while I'm abroad, which can be a big comfort when I'm surrounded by a foreign language and culture. But secondly, I also like Netflix in that it is adapted to the local context and offers a good selection of some of the classic and contemporary films from the country I'm visiting.

For instance, in Mexico, there's a very popular Netflix original show called Club de Cuervos, which is about a fictitious soccer team. Having a Netflix subscription made it easy for me to check out local pop culture. Watching local shows is also a great way to practice a foreign language, and you can always turn on the subtitles if you're struggling to understand.

At $7.99 a month for online streaming to one screen in standard definition, a Netflix subscription costs less than one movie ticket and about one-seventh the price of the average cable bill. For that you get a wide selection of movies and TV shows in your home or hotel.

Spotify

One of my favorite subscriptions is Spotify. For a music lover like me, the premium subscription is well worth the price tag. The sign-up offer gives you a month for free, and then it costs $9.99 a month after that. You can save even more money with a student or family subscription.

With the premium subscription, you're freed from advertisements popping up every few songs when you stream, and you get the option to download tracks to your device, which is great for travel. Having the tunes on your phone or tablet saves you the cost of data that you'd need to use to stream songs.

Plus, with either the free or paid versions of the service, you have access to a huge library of music that's more affordable than buying lots of CDs or album downloads.

Amazon Subscribe & Save

If you're spending lots of time away from home, it can be hard to keep up with tasks like keeping the house stocked for when you get back. When you get home from a trip, you'll want to spend time with friends and family, not out buying toilet paper.

Amazon's Subscribe & Save can help by automatically delivering household staples, including groceries, office supplies, and beauty products. You choose the products you want to receive and set up an automated delivery. Deliveries of at least five products on a monthly basis are eligible for discounts of up to 15 percent.

If you normally spend $300 a month on these types of items, that means you're setting yourself up for a monthly savings of $45 and the cost of gas, not to mention the time it takes you to do these errands yourself.

Depending on how often you're on the road, you may need to check in just to make sure you don't end up with a large supply of paper napkins that you don't have space for.

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This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

These 6 Things Will Make Your Next Flight More Comfortable

Amanda Gokee — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 09:30:41 +0000

Traveling by plane can be uncomfortable, with long waits in the airport followed by hours packed into ever-smaller airplane seats. Rushed and frustrated, you often end up paying way more than you should for small conveniences.

After years of traveling and countless hours in transit, I've put together this practical guide to help you avoid the pitfalls of air travel and enjoy your trip. Here are some easy ways you can ensure you have a smooth, painless experience, both in the airport and once you board the plane. (See also: Tricks to Make Flying in Coach Feel (Almost) Luxurious)

1. Bring your own food and tea bags

Food at airports and onboard domestic flights is expensive — often double the cost you'd normally pay. And though meals are usually free on international flights, the quality is notoriously hit or miss. It's always best to err on the side of caution. Bring your own healthy snacks, like nuts, and dried and fresh fruit. Sandwiches made with bagels are also easily packable and won't squish easily in your bag.

Consider, too, bringing some herbal tea bags. Most coffee shops and flight attendants will give you hot water for free if you ask. This can save you on pricey airport lattes and help you stay calmer than drinking caffeinated beverages. Herbal tea is an especially good choice if you want to snooze while you're on the plane.

2. Bring your own water bottle

Bring an empty water bottle to get through security, and then fill up at the water fountains around the airport. If you're in a country where drinking from the fountain isn't always safe, consider heading to a coffee shop or restaurant and asking them to fill up your bottle with water from the soda dispenser. You can often get ice this way, too!

Having your own water bottle on the plane helps you stay hydrated without relying on sometimes slow service from the flight attendants, who dole out liquids in tiny plastic cups. (See also: 15 Airport Hacks From Professional Travelers)

3. Choose the right credit card

Booking your flight through an airline credit card gives you extra perks while flying. You'll usually get priority boarding, allowing you to get on the plane before all of the overhead bins are filled up with carry-ons. You may also get discounts on in-flight purchases, and travel protections in case your flight is canceled or your baggage doesn't show up.

Some premium cards even grant you access to airport lounges, which can make layovers infinitely more comfortable. You'll also get excellent service from staff in the lounges if your flight is canceled and you need to rebook. (See also: 12 Travel Perks You Didn't Know Your Credit Card Had)

4. Pack for success

Think strategically before you leave home about how you will spend your time while in transit. If you're checking a bag, be sure to put the items you want to use during the flight in your carry-on. It's frustrating to have packed your earbuds in your checked bag when you need them on the plane!

In-flight entertainment can be a good distraction from long hours of discomfort and boredom. But some airlines don't offer any entertainment, or at least not any that you're interested in. Bring your own to be sure you can stay occupied during the flight.

If you start your trip equipped with the right reading material, some good music, and a few favorite TV shows or movies, you may be surprised how fast your airport and flying time goes by. Amazon Prime allows you to download free books, movies, and music to take with you, and other services such as Netflix and the premium version of Spotify have similar services. You can also save free podcasts to your phone, or pay for audiobooks. With Audible's audiobook service, your first book is free.

Make sure your electronics are charged and ready to go. Some flights offer outlets but you don't want to take the chance that your seat doesn't have it or is not working.

Bonus Trick: If you can do without the checked bag entirely, this is an easier and faster way to travel. Traveling with just a carry-on means you can say goodbye to expensive checked bag fees and worries about lost luggage. (See also: 15 Packing Secrets From a Professional Traveler)

5. Set yourself up for sleep

Sleeping on a plane is another way to make the time pass quickly, but it's admittedly tricky business.

Bring along the items you need for slumber, including an eye mask, ear plugs, sleeping medications, and a neck pillow to get comfortable. A jacket can double as a pillow or blanket if need be. Try to get these items in advance. A neck pillow at the airport can cost twice as much as at a regular store.

Keep everything in a clothing pocket or a bag under your seat so it's easy to access when you feel drowsy. Getting up to rummage through a bag in the overhead bin is a sure way to wake yourself back up.

6. Try to have a sense of humor

Airports can be great spots for people watching. You get to see humanity in action in its many colorful renditions. Of course, it's annoying to be restricted in your movements and trapped in stale air for a long time, but keep things in perspective.

You're getting to experience one of the most freeing things of all, the ability to jet somewhere far away. Having a good attitude will only make the ride that much better.

By preparing yourself to have a good trip, packing a few travel essentials, and keeping a positive attitude, you can make traveling by plane not just bearable, but even enjoyable. Happy flying! (See also: 6 Things to Keep You Sane on a Plane)

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This article is from Amanda Gokee of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The High Cost of Modern Love

Andrea Cannon — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 10:00:16 +0000

Being in love is now more expensive than ever. In fact, Americans spend an average of $20,000 in their lifetime on dates. With dinner and a movie costing about $90, you could easily go broke if you date frequently.

We've covered some of the costs below so you can get a better idea of what modern love can cost. However, these are only national averages. The amount you pay for entertainment and impressing your date will vary largely depending on where you live.

Movie Ticket

Average Price: $8.51 per ticket

The worst part is that after spending money on movie tickets, you have to worry about buying popcorn, soda, candy, and other overpriced treats. For instance, if you decided to order one large popcorn, one large candy, and two small soft drinks, you could expect to spend around $22.25, in addition to the price of the movie tickets. Instead of doing dinner and a movie out, consider cooking at home and taking advantage of Netflix.

Dining Out

Average Price: $12.17–$88.00 per person

A 2015 study found that the cost of eating at a chain restaurant ranges from $12.17 to $88.00 per person, but it depends on where (and what) you eat. It also depends on where you live. For instance, Zagat found that diners in NYC spend an average of $48.44 per person when eating out, which is higher than the national average.

As an alternative, consider happy hour deals, taking advantage of restaurant week or local food festivals, or impressing your date with a home-cooked meal. You can either show off your cooking skills or cook together as a bonding experience.

Concert Tickets

Average Price: $46.69 per person

Concert tickets all depend on who you are going to see and which tickets you get (unobstructed or obstructed view). For instance, impressing your date with tickets to a Taylor Swift concert will set you back $110.15 a ticket.

Broadway Show

Average Price: $105.68 a ticket

Now, this is only appropriate if you are really trying to impress your date. With an average ticket price of $105.68, Broadway shows should be saved for very special occasions. The price will depend on what you go to see. For instance, a ticket to Hamilton could cost $300, while a ticket to Jitney could be around $55.

Baby Sitter

Average Price: $10 an hour

If you have a child at home, you can expect to spend a hefty amount on a baby sitter. The average cost of a baby sitter, per hour, in New York City is $15+, so the price will vary depending on where you live, who you hire, and the agreement you set with the sitter. As an alternative, consider asking another parent to baby-sit your child for a night at no charge, and tell them you will return the favor later by baby-sitting their child for free.

Gifts

Average Price: $92.50 per occasion

Once you find that special someone, you'll need to start worrying about the costs of gifts on special occasions. The average American spends only $25 per year on flowers, but can expect to spend an average of $146.84 on Valentine's Day gifts. Gifts for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions can take a hefty chunk out of your budget.

According to Huffington Post, Americans spend an average of $92.50 per special occasion on their new love. They also found that people spend an additional $21 on gifts for each additional year of their relationship.

Dating Sites

Average Price: $0–$60 per month

Match.com is $41.99 per month, eHarmony.com is $60 per month, True.com is $50 per month, Tinder is free (unless you sign up for premium services, which range from $2.99–$34.99), and Bumble is free (again, unless you sign up for premium services, which range from $2.99–$35.99). You can save a lot of money by signing up for longer periods of time, like six or 12 months. Many dating sites, like Match.com, also offer free options with limited capabilities.

When it comes to dating sites and apps, there are distinct differences in the quality of the service and potential suitors, so cost shouldn't be your only factor. For instance, PlentyOfFish and OKCupid are free, but they don't offer the same matching abilities or photo quality as a service like Match or eHarmony. The people on PlentyOfFish also aren't usually as devoted to finding that special someone for life, as compared to someone on Match or eHarmony.

As an alternative, try meeting someone in real life. After all, only 5% of Americans in a marriage or committed relationship actually met their significant other online. Studies continue to show that couples most often meet each other through work, friends in common, or in social settings, so just put yourself out there more.

The Cost of "Ghosting"

Average Price: Your love life?

If you decide that the cost of dating sites is just too much, consider the cost to your love life if you disappear from the app completely. If you start "ghosting," it can end very badly. In fact, it often leads to even more confrontation than if you were just honest from the start. Take advantage of the sites and apps you subscribe to, while you still can.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you take your special someone on a horrible date, you risk getting "ghosted" yourself. Getting ignored can really take a toll on one's confidence and lead to hurt feelings, so observe the golden rule and avoid ghosting. Just remember, a good date doesn't have to be an expensive one. Take them somewhere meaningful, dress and act the part, and find ways to impress your date without going broke.

Alternative Date Ideas

Ask your date what they would like to do. Going to the movies and dinner can be fun, but most people have other ideas for a better date night. Here are some ideas to get you thinking.

Go for a hike or walk through your area. Show your date some of your favorite areas.
Get active with canoeing, miniature golfing, ice skating, rock climbing, paddle boating, paddle boarding, biking…the list goes on and on. Find out what your date is interested in and take advantage. It's cheaper, more meaningful, and can help you burn some calories.
Visit a museum during the day and time when it is cheapest. Most museums offer free admission on a particular day of the week. You can observe some local culture and will have plenty to talk about with your date.
Instead of going out for dinner, consider going out for coffee instead. After all, why spend something like $90 on a first date, when you're not even sure that they're worth dating long-term? With a coffee date, you can get to know each other in a more comfortable setting. A picnic is also ultraromantic, affordable, and memorable.
Go dancing at a bar or take dance classes, which start as low as $12 per person.
Go for a free wine or liquor tasting in your area.
Take advantage of outdoor movie events (like free movies in the park).
Take advantage of free local tours or free tour apps.
Find a Groupon date that you both want to take advantage of. Give your date some options so they'll be able to pick what interests them most.

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Super Easy Ways to Save Money at the Movies

Amy Lu — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 10:30:25 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on easy ways to save money at the movies, alternatives to Mint.com, and wedding favors that cost less than $1 each.

7 Famous Houses From Film and TV You Can Buy

Carrie Kirby — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 11:00:11 +0000

It could be the ultimate in fandom: You've seen the movie, you've had the poster autographed by the star — now move into the set.

When a real home is used for a film or television show, chances are that it will eventually go up for sale. That's when you, the fan, gets the chance to pore over photos in the real estate listing, tour the place, or even purchase it.

Hope you've been saving up: With only one exception, the famous houses I found on the market are all asking over a million bucks. On the upside for shoppers, being a movie or TV star doesn't seem to confer a premium to these homes. Some have been on the market a long time and seem reasonably priced for their neighborhoods and features.

1. Twilight

Featured as the Cullen family house in the movie Twilight: New Moon, this 5,000-square-foot contemporary mansion is located in West Vancouver. As of 2010, the asking price was $2.7 million, and it sat on the market for years. Perhaps home shoppers feel a little unease at sleeping in bedrooms once occupied by fictional vampires?

2. Sixteen Candles

Who could forget Molly Ringwald pouting on the staircase while her family ignored her 16th birthday? Those John Hughes movie families always had some nice homes in the northern Chicago suburbs, and the one in which that scene played out is no exception: six bedrooms, five bathrooms, gorgeous (not 1980s original, thank goodness) kitchen. With an asking price of $1.4 million, it likely stands out in its Evanston neighborhood, where the average property value is under $400,000.

3. Boy Meets World

Located not in Philadelphia, where this teen comedy show was set, but in Studio City, California. This 2,500-square-foot Cape Cod is on the block for $1.5 million — after a $100,000 price cut.

4. Miracle on 34th Street

Another Hughes mansion, the yellow house featured in the remake of Miracle on 34th Street has been on and off the market for more than a year. Its most recent asking price was $2.8 million, and Zillow says it's worth $500,000 more. Located in the Chicago suburb of Lake Forest, the five-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot palace has seven and a half bathrooms. If you buy this one, better ask about a full-time cleaning crew.

5. The Bodyguard and City of Angels

Lake Tahoe is known more as a getaway for San Francisco techies than a movie filming location, but this $6 million, five-bedroom "cabin" has starred in two. Even some of the furniture seen in both movies appears in the listing photos.

6. In the Heat of the Night

If you are old enough to remember Carroll O'Connor playing a police chief on this drama series, you might recognize this 1886 five-bedroom home, which O'Connor's character purchased and lived in during the course of the show. Because of its location in a small Georgia town, the seller is asking only $437,000, a price reduction of more than $60,000.

7. The Godfather

Don Corleone thought this mansion was a good enough location for his daughter's wedding, so this Staten Island "mini-mansion" should be good enough for you to lounge in its "man cave" or alongside the backyard pool. The five-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot home has gone through multiple price reductions and was last listed at $2.3 million before being taken off the market. Since no sale has been recorded, it's safe to assume the house could still be purchased if you make the right offer. I think you know the kind of offer I'm talking about.

This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Tricks for a Better Netflix Experience

Kyle James — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 17:15:33 +0000

While the recent price increase of the Netflix standard plan by $1 a month ($8.99 to $9.99) might not seem like a big deal, it certainly can be if you feel you're not using your subscription to its fullest potential. Here are some way to greatly improve your Netflix experience.

1. Access the "Hidden" Stream Manager

One of the most frustrating aspects of Netflix is you're often at the mercy of the quality and speed of your Internet connection. Fortunately, there is a trick to change the quality of your stream to avoid any buffering issues. When streaming Netflix content from a desktop or laptop, access the little-known stream manager and use the following keyboard shortcuts to your advantage.

Control + Alt + Shift + S

This will allow you to access the control panel for your video. You can then change the bitrate and CDN (Content Delivery Network) of the stream you're watching. If you're having buffering issues, select the lowest bitrate. Or at the very least, select both available bitrates and your video will stream in-between both selections.

Control + Alt + Shift + D

This allows you to view important statistics about your stream. Things like bitrate, buffering speed, and framerate are displayed. Check out these stats after you change your bitrate to see how it impacts overall performance.

Control + Alt + Shift + L

This will display a record of all the changes you've made to your settings so you can easily track your progress in getting a stream speed that works for you.

2. Reactivate App to Kill Buffering

If you view Netflix via a Smart TV, game console, or Blu-ray player, and are having recurring buffering issues, try deactivating the Netflix app, and then reactivate it again. According to the folks at Netflix, a handy little trick to quickly make this happen is to press the following sequence on your device's controller or remote: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Up, Up, Up, Up.

After pressing this sequence select, "Sign Out" or "Deactivate," then simply follow the on-screen instructions to sign back into your Netflix account. In many cases this should solve your buffering issues, especially if you're receiving the "AIP-701" connection error.

3. Know the Right Time to Watch

If you can wait and do your binge watching late in the evening, or in the early morning, your streaming experience will be noticeably better, according to Digital Trends. From their in-depth research, they "discovered that the biggest factor influencing stream quality is time of day, and whether that time falls under typical peak hours for watching."

4. Rate Everything You Watch

By getting into the habit of rating everything you watch on Netflix, the service can better understand the programming that you enjoy. Also, it's worth the effort to complete your "Taste Profile" to better help Netflix make selections that interest you.

5. The Best Netflix Viewing Guide… EVER

Another one of the complaints that Netflix users have is trying to figure out which programs come and go each month, along with weeding through the large amount of content. I recently discovered a fantastic solution to this problem via an amazingly thorough Reddit forum titled NetflixBestOf. It currently has over 287,000 readers and is chock full of information to make your viewing experience more enjoyable.

6. Consider a Netflix Unblocker

While this tip might be not be for everyone, if you're the techy-type, it could be right up your alley. Did you know that Netflix offers different content to different countries? You can tap into that content by using a free Netflix unblocker service like TVUnblock.com or Hola!, which helps you change the DNS address settings of your device to point to their servers. Once this is done, some of your web browsing will be routed to a proxy server which modifies your location and gives you access to Netflix content beyond your borders.

How are you getting the most out of your Netflix subscription? Is the $1/month increase going to be a deal-breaker for you?

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This article is from Kyle James of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 8 Best Ways to Stream TV and Movies for Free

Kyle James — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 17:00:29 +0000

"Cutting the cord" to cable and satellite TV seems to be everyone's dream these days. However, getting rid of your cable bill often only makes sense if you can find cheap (or free) replacements for your viewing habits. Fortunately, cord-cutters have some pretty amazing free — and totally legal — streaming options available to them. While many of these are still fairly unknown services, they can provide some terrific options for your viewing needs. Here are eight streaming services worth checking out.

1. Crackle

Owned by Sony, Crackle has an excellent selection of free streaming movies, TV shows, and original content. If you have a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, PlayStation 3 or 4, or current Xbox, you can stream Crackle content for free. Current top movies include Joe Dirt, Click, and Underworld, while popular TV shows include Seinfeld, The Shield, and Damages. The original content available on Crackle is what gets it on my list; popular programs include Sports Jeopardy with Dan Patrick, and the highly acclaimed series The Ropes produced and directed by Vin Diesel.

2. Hulu

Hulu is by far the most recognizable service on my list, and for good reason. While they have a premium service that will cost you $7.99 per month, their free content is pretty darn amazing as well, and worth a look. As I type this, I'm watching last night's The Daily Show for free, without commercials. Other network programming that you can watch for free (eight days after they air), includes Once Upon a Time, Modern Family, Nashville, and The Mindy Project. It's also worth noting that they offer a free 30-day trial.

3. PopcornFlix.com

While PopcornFlix.com has hundreds of movies and TV series available for free streaming (most of which you'd never heard of), they make my list simply for their awesome selection of kids' titles and "general family" viewing. A few that immediately caught my eye include Jim Henson's Mee-Shee, Jack and the Beanstalk, Benii, and School of Life starring Ryan Reynolds. Supported devices include Android phones, Apple devices, Roku players, Samsung Smart TV's, and Xbox consoles.

4. MoviesFoundOnline.com

The movies tend to be indie classics along with some cult favorites, but it's the variety of TV shows available for streaming that makes MoviesFoundOnline.com stand out from the crowd. A few examples include The Lucy Show, Mr. Bean, BattleBots, and stand-up comedy acts from Robin Williams and Zach Galifianakis. Watch shows on their website, as they do not have an app available for mobile viewing yet.

5. RetroVision

If you're a big fan of classic TV shows like Bonanza, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Star Trek, or Dragnet, you'll want to give RetroVision a solid look. Many of these classic shows are hard to find on DVD, or regular cable, making RetroVision a pretty cool and valuable service. Supported devices are limited, and thus requires you to view via your computer or with their free Google Chrome app.

6. Watch Documentary

The name Watch Documentary pretty much sums up what's offered. They stream over 9,000 free high-quality documentaries for your viewing pleasure. A few of their currently popular documentaries include Planet Earth, Roger & Me by Michael Moore, From the Earth to the Moon by Tom Hanks, and The U by ESPN. While they allow viewing from any computer or Android device, they currently do not have an app for Apple products.

7. SnagFilms

The folks at SnagFilms differentiate themselves by specializing in over 5,000 indie films and what they term "hidden movie treasures." A few of their current favorites include cult classics like Heavy Metal Parking Lot, Murder on Flight 502, and The Boogey Man. You can stream content via their iOS or Android app, Kindle, smart TV, computer, or Xbox 360.

8. Yidio

Yidio is a popular streaming service that allows you to search and watch TV shows and movies "across Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and hundreds of other providers in one place." While they do have free stand-alone content available, the power of Yidio is shown when you pair it with a Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime subscription. Essentially they pull all content available into one handy interface to make searching and viewing a breeze. Yidio is compatible with iOS, Android, and smart TVs.

The amount of free content available online for free streaming is truly remarkable. If you're on the fence about removing cable or satellite from your monthly bills, these resources are definitely worth a look. It's easy to make an argument that a combination of several of these free services can easily satisfy your family's TV and movie needs.

Have you used any of these streaming services after cutting the cord to cable? If so, what's your favorite?

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This article is from Kyle James of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Dramatic Vacation Spots for TV and Film Fanatics

Amanda Meadows — Mon, 18 May 2015 13:00:11 +0000

Having a hard time deciding on your next vacation destination? Try looking through your DVR or Netflix queue! These are some of the five cheapest TV and film fanatic vacation spots.

1. Breaking Bad: Albuquerque, NM

Got a hankering for an action-packed road trip on the cheap? Heisenberg-hat wearing fans of Breaking Bad will want to pack up and drive to Albuquerque, New Mexico for a few days. Not only are there tons of real-life standing locations where Vince Gilligan and crew shot Breaking Bad, but there are even self-guided and guided tours!

Key Costs: Your biggest will likely be gasoline for driving to and from your place of origin, and prices vary across the U.S. Accommodations are cheap and plentiful in Albuquerque — try staying in the well-priced Hotel Andaluz. Meals at Los Pollos Hermanos are very cheap!

2. Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: Jaipur, India

This smash-hit movie (and sequel) has inspired lots of empty-nesters to visit India. While you may not be flush enough to retire there, you can probably afford a two-week trip to Jaipur, one of the most beautiful cities in India.

Key Costs: The biggest expense will be airfare from your nearest international airport to the Jaipur airport, which could be approximately $1,600. However, once you are in India, one can live quite comfortably for $20 a day, and extremely well for $50 a day. Food and entertainment are cheap enough so you can splurge on plush accommodations.

3. Game of Thrones: Northern Ireland

Addicted to the racy, bloody, and exciting land of Westeros? Much of Game of Thrones is shot in Northern Ireland, where they shoot much of "The North," from The Haunted Forest to Winterfell. Come to Ireland for gorgeous, scenic tours of the misty moors, then stay for nice B&Bs and authentic Irish food and drink. While you're there, soak in some real history by touring Belfast and seeing the birthplace of the Titanic and famous prison Crumlin Road Gaol.

Key Costs: Airfare will the the lion's share of the costs, approximately $1500 per person. This is a great time to visit anywhere in Europe because the euro is not as strong against the dollar: one euro is about $1.12. This means if you stay thrifty, lodging, food, and entertainment will be about as much as they would be in America.

4. The Hangover Part II: Thailand

One of the highest grossing films to have shot in Thailand, The Hangover Part II might inspire those looking for a raucous, indulgent trip. While a Hangover-themed tour is certainly possible, Thailand is also a great destination for nature exploring. Visit beautiful elephant reserves, enjoy the beaches, and hike a rainforest.

Key Costs: Your biggest expense here will also be airfare, as it can run approximately $1,200. Once you arrive, though, it's a bargain. One can live very comfortably for under $40 a day if staying on the mainland where the prices are generally cheaper than the surrounding islands.

5. James Bond: Mexico City

So many great films were shot in Mexico: from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid to Y Tu Mama Tambien. The James Bond franchise has shot several of its films in Mexico, including License to Kill, Tomorrow Never Dies, Quantum of Solace, and the upcoming Spectre. The new movie highlights the Zocalo in historic and beautiful Mexico City, where the Aztecs once ruled and where one can now find very hip shopping and entertainment. If you travel to the coast, you can even enjoy a James Bond speedboat tour!

Key Costs: Mexico makes for a great, cheap vacation with its beautiful beaches (where many movies shoot instead of the Bahamas!), cheap hotels, and great food. Flights can be upwards of $700, but those living on west coast and southwest regions can manage an easy road trip. One dollar equals about 15 pesos, so your money will go very far.

Have you ever traveled to scratch your film or TV fandom itch? where'd you go?

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This article is from Amanda Meadows of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Ways to Watch Movies for Free

Ashley Jacobs — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 19:00:04 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some amazing articles on ways to watch movies for free, bridal shower gift ideas, and motivation and money.

The New Best Reason to Sign up for Amazon Prime: HBO Shows!

Christa Avampato — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 10:00:18 +0000

Amazon Prime and HBO are now bosom buddies, and that means even greater benefits for Prime members. Starting May 21st, all Amazon Prime members will have access to free unlimited streaming of a wide variety of HBO shows, movies, and series. Get excited! (See also: Cut Cable Without Cutting Your Shows)

Included Shows, Movies, and Series

Beloved and award winning series:

The Sopranos
Six Feet Under
The Wire
Big Love
Deadwood
Oz
Eastbound & Down
Family Tree
Enlightened
Flight of the Conchords

Early seasons of current shows:

Treme
Boardwalk Empire
True Blood

Epic mini-series:

Band of Brothers
Angels in America
The Pacific
Parade’s End
John Adams

Hit original movies:

You Don’t Know Jack
Too Big to Fail
Game Change

Powerful documentaries:

Autopsy
Iceman
Ghosts of Abu Ghraib
When the Levees Broke

Exclusive comedy programs:

Lewis Black
Ellen DeGeneres
Louis CK
Bill Maher

What about shows like Girls, The Newsroom, and Veep, you ask? They will be available about three years after they air, as will current seasons of all the other shows mentioned above.

More Prime Benefits

Access to these great shows is just one of the many valuable benefits that make Amazon Prime a great value. With Prime membership, you get free two-day shipping, free books through Kindle Lending Library and Kindle First, Music Streaming, as well as unlimited streaming of over 40,000 movies and shows through Amazon Instant Video. (See Also: How to Get Amazon Prime for Cheap)

Mark May 21 on your calendar for the beginning of a HBO binge-fest.

This article is from Christa Avampato of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

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Ask the Readers: How Do You Save Money at the Movies?

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

Giveaway Rules:

This Is How Much Our Tech Necessities Would've Cost in the '80s

Music on demand

Cellphones

Streaming videos

eBooks

Living in the future

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6 Ways You Can Get Paid to Watch TV

1. Work for a company that airs TV series and movies

2. Start your own YouTube channel

3. Download apps and visit sites that reward you for watching

4. Become a Netflix "tagger"

5. Become a Nielsen family

6. Take up mystery shopping

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8 Ways to Keep Boredom from Destroying Your Budget

1. Find a go-to “boredom beater” activity

2. Plan something you would like to do

3. Avoid any and all online shopping sites

4. Don’t raid the pantry or fridge

5. Don’t go to the movies

6. Have a game night

7. Go on free tours

8. Get out and do something that costs nothing

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How to Turn Your Home Into a Moneymaking Star

What film producers look for

Other perks

Factors to consider

How to rent out your home

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3 Subscription Services Every Traveler Needs

Netflix

Spotify

Amazon Subscribe & Save

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These 6 Things Will Make Your Next Flight More Comfortable

1. Bring your own food and tea bags

2. Bring your own water bottle

3. Choose the right credit card

4. Pack for success

5. Set yourself up for sleep

6. Try to have a sense of humor

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The High Cost of Modern Love

Movie Ticket

Dining Out

Concert Tickets

Broadway Show

Baby Sitter

Gifts

Dating Sites

The Cost of "Ghosting"

Alternative Date Ideas

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Best Money Tips: Super Easy Ways to Save Money at the Movies

Top 5 Articles

Other Essential Reading

7 Famous Houses From Film and TV You Can Buy

1. Twilight

2. Sixteen Candles

3. Boy Meets World

4. Miracle on 34th Street

5. The Bodyguard and City of Angels

6. In the Heat of the Night

7. The Godfather

6 Tricks for a Better Netflix Experience

1. Access the "Hidden" Stream Manager

Control + Alt + Shift + S

Control + Alt + Shift + D

Control + Alt + Shift + L

2. Reactivate App to Kill Buffering

3. Know the Right Time to Watch

4. Rate Everything You Watch

5. The Best Netflix Viewing Guide… EVER

6. Consider a Netflix Unblocker